Trespassing report leads to drug-related arrest

Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies arrested a McKinleyville man on suspicion of several drug charges after responding to reports of a trespasser at a Eureka area cabin, according to the release.

William Duane Hillegeist, 30, and his 26-year-old female passenger were arrested Monday after deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hillegeist's vehicle on Spears Avenue in Eureka, according to the release. After stopping his vehicle, Hillegeist got out and appeared to be preparing to flee, the release states. The responding deputy grabbed the man's wrist and a plastic bag fell out of the bottom of Hillegeist's pant leg. According to the release, Hillegeist was detained when the deputy determined the bag appeared to hold meth and heroin.

After searching the vehicle, deputies reported finding 21 pounds of processed marijuana, about 1 gram of meth and about 6 grams of heroin.

Hillegeist and the woman -- who both claim they had medical marijuana documentation -- were detained at the scene. She was later released. The property owner told deputies he is not going to pursue trespassing charges. Hillegeist was arrested on suspicion of possession and transportation of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Humboldt County jail with a bail set at $50,000.

The sheriff's office has asked anyone with information regarding this incident or related criminal activity to call them at 445-7251, or the office's crime tip line at 268-2539.